What is the right way to brush your teeth?

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Joann Ariola

A. From side to side

B. Up and down

C. In small circles

If you answered A, you’re right! According to the American Dental Association you should:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush from side to side in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

The ADA also recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. You should replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

To make an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Center call 718-206-6980.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Jamaica Hospital Now Incorporates Holistic Care For Our Patients

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Patient-centered care has always been a major focus at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center but the Nursing Department’s newest effort really demonstrates how important satisfying our patients’ needs and improving their experience is to the hospital.

Jamaica Hospital is now incorporating a holistic approach to the care we provide in multiple areas. Through the addition of a Certified Holistic Nurse trained in various holistic modalities, hand and foot massages (reflexology) are now being provided as a consultative service and have been shown to be very beneficial to both patients and providers.

One important benefit of reflexology is that it relaxes the patient during what can be an anxiety-filled time for them. Patients often find that a few minutes of quiet time and gentle touch offers them an opportunity to release tension and feel more at ease. When patients feel more comfortable, it creates an atmosphere that allows for better communication leading to better care.

According to Janis Sharkey, Certified Holistic Nurse, “the healing power of touch can make all the difference for the patient’s experience. By taking a holistic approach, we are focusing on healing the many factors that influence us mentally and emotionally as well as physically.” Research has indicated that gentle touch not only reduces stress and anxiety, but it can also minimize pain, increase blood circulation, and support immune function.

Additionally, Ms. Sharkey has worked with new mothers by teaching them movement skills based on the Alexander Technique, an educational process that develops the ability to realign posture and avoid unnecessary muscular tension. By applying the Alexander principles when lifting or carrying they can avoid back and neck injuries. She also teaches these and other principles to hospital staff and new hires during orientation to equip them with the skills to avoid injury and nurture self-care.

In the hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Unit Janis has trained staff to provide holistic care to patients awaiting surgery. They provide reflexology to patients in a quiet environment surrounded by soothing music selected for relaxation. Since this protocol has been initiated there has been a notable decrease in requests for pain medication as well as faster recovery times.

Whether being offered to our patients or our staff, the benefits of holistic care are numerous and Jamaica Hospital is happy to offer this service to all.

History of Dentistry

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Dentistry is one of the world’s oldest medical professions. As early as 5000BC tooth decay was described as being caused by dental worms and this belief was not proven false until the 1700’s.
In 166 – 200 AD Italy the Etruscans began to work on dental repair with crowns made from gold as well as bridgework. The Chinese began using silver paste to repair cavities in the 700’s. The first organized group of dentists were described in France in the 1200’s and were actually barbers who in addition to cutting hair, had been trained to work on teeth.
Beginning in the 1700’s developments in dentistry were coming along at a quicker pace. In 1723 Pierre Fauchard, considered to be the father of modern dentistry wrote one of the first complete books on dental practice. In the early 1800’s porcelain teeth began to be commercially manufactured to serve as replacement teeth. In 1839 vulcanized rubber was first used as a base for false teeth. Ether was first used as an anesthetic in 1846.
During the late 1800’s dental tools were being improved upon. The first mechanical drill was commercially manufactured in 1871, the first hydraulic dental chair was manufactured in 1877 and in 1895 x-rays were coming into practice for dentistry. In 1905 the local anesthetic novocain was developed.
Oral hygiene and prevention of tooth decay became popular in the 1900’s. Toothpaste in tubes became popular with the general public as opposed to powders and pastes that had been used previously. Cities across the country began to fluoridate the water supply to aid in the prevention of cavities, and the first nylon toothbrush was manufactured. High speed air driven drills which were developed in the late 1950’s made visits to the dentist less painful.
Dentistry is constantly evolving with new techniques being developed to make dental care better for both the dentist and the patient. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980.

Planning End of Life Care

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Planning for end of life is difficult but also necessary. Taking the time to prepare for this stage of life can help you and loved ones with making challenging decisions about your care that may arise in the future.

When planning your end-of-life care it is important to consider what your wishes are and how they should be carried out. Your wishes typically reflect your personal concerns, values or beliefs. A few questions to ponder during this process are:

How will religious or spiritual beliefs be honored?
If possible, would you rather last moments to be at your home?
How do you feel about life-prolonging measures, such as resuscitation, ventilators or life support?

Once you have come up with a plan of care, it is recommended that you write instructions or advance directives in a document to record your end -of-life wishes and provide guidance for loved ones.

Choosing a family member or loved one to be your healthcare proxy is usually the next step in planning your end-of-life care. It is important that you communicate to them your wishes so that they can make desired decisions on your behalf. These requirements should also be shared with your physician or medical team.

If you are unable to designate a person to carry out your wishes, you can give specific instructions by writing a living will. According to The National Institutes of Health (NIH Senior Health), “A living will records your end-of-life care wishes in case you are no longer able to speak for yourself. It spells out what life-sustaining treatment you do or do not want if you are terminally ill, permanently unconscious, or in the final stage of a fatal illness. You may wish to meet with your health care provider before preparing a living will to discuss treatment options for a variety of medical situations.”

To receive further information about planning end –of-life care, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Palliative Care Division recommends utilizing comprehensive resources such as The Conversation Project. The organization provides a starter kit, “as a useful tool to help people have conversations with their family members or other loved ones about their wishes regarding end-of-life care.” For more information, visit www.theconversationproject.org.

Are Social Smokers “Real Smokers?”

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Today, May 31, 2017, is World No Tobacco Day. On this day, the World Health Organization (WHO) asks that healthcare providers highlight the negative effects that smoking can have on a person’s health. This year’s theme is “Tobacco – a threat to development.”

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to participate in World No Tobacco Day by addressing the myth that “social smoking” is not hazardous to your health.

Myth: People who are light or occasional smokers have less of a risk for developing diseases.

Truth: People within this group are usually in denial of the frequency of their use of cigarettes and believe that they are not at risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses.

Research has found that one third of people who classify themselves as social smokers actually smoke more than six times per day
Smoking a lot or a little, increases the risk for developing diseases caused by tobacco
The damage of one puff of nicotine is instant. It takes 10 seconds for nicotine to be transported throughout the body and to the brain. It slows down circulation and increases blood pressure and heart rate
A study conducted by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, found that “light” smoking may result in several health complications such as stroke, COPD, peripheral artery disease, lower respiratory tract infections, weakened immune systems Smoking occasionally or socially does not exclude you from developing the health complications associated with tobacco use. Over time smoking will take its toll on your body. The best thing you can do for your health is quit smoking.

If you or someone you know needs help in quitting smoking please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Freedom From Smoking program at or visit for more information.

Safe Driving This Holiday Weekend

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

A holiday weekend is upon us and that means many people will be hitting the road to visit family and friends, taking shopping trips to the mall, the beach, barbeques, or just celebrating at home. Many people get time off from work and everyone wants to have a good time. By taking a few precautions you can get to your destination safely and have a wonderful time.
Safe driving is a key component of having a happy holiday weekend. To make sure that everything goes well, here are some safety tips to follow:
• Do not speed
• Do not text while driving
• Do not drink and drive
• Plan your route in advance
• Make sure your car is operating properly – check fluids, brakes and lights
• Make sure that you are well rested before getting behind the wheel
• Make sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up
Following these safe driving tips will make sure your holiday weekend will be a lot happier.

What Is OAS?

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Peaches, melons, corn, cherries and cucumbers are hands down some of the seasonal fruits and vegetables that we look forward to eating during summer. While these summertime favorites are enjoyable for most, others may experience itchiness of the mouth or other discomforts after consuming them. This reaction may be due to a condition known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, OAS is defined as “a form of contact allergy reaction that occurs upon contact of the mouth and throat with raw fruits or vegetables.” This happens because your body is unable to tell the difference between proteins in these foods and pollen. “The immune system recognizes the pollen and similar proteins in the food and directs an allergic response to it,” states the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Therefore if a person is allergic to pollen there is a chance they can develop OAS.

Most cases of OAS are attributed to an allergy to birch pollen. Those who are allergic to birch pollen may experience symptoms when eating fruits or vegetables such as cherries, zucchini, peaches and plums. Allergies to other types of pollen from grass or ragweed may trigger a reaction when consuming produce such as melons, cucumbers or bananas.

Symptoms of OAS are typically mild and last for only a few minutes; they may include:

Itching
Tingling
Redness
Mild swelling of the lips or tongue
Irritation of the throat and gums

In most cases these symptoms do not need treatment as they resolve in minutes. Avoidance of trigger foods is highly recommended; however, if you must have a fruit or vegetable, consider peeling or cooking it to potentially lessen the reaction. These recommendations may not work for everyone because each person’s tolerance is different.

OAS is diagnosed by an allergy specialist who will conduct an evaluation. The specialist may recommend skin testing to pollens or other allergens that may be causing your symptoms. It is also possible that your allergy specialist will ask you to eat certain foods while observing your reaction; this is called a food challenge.

It is important to keep in mind that OAS is a cross reaction to pollen rather than an allergic reaction to the actual fruit itself. The symptoms of a true food allergy can be more severe and can lead to anaphylaxis. The following symptoms should not be ignored and receive medical attention immediately:

Vomiting or stomach cramps
Shortness of breath
Hives
Shock
Tightness of the throat or trouble swallowing
Dizziness

The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center focuses on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of allergic and immunologic conditions. To speak with an Allergy Specialist at Jamaica Hospital about OAS or food allergies, please call 718-206-6742

Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Having dark circles under your eyes is not uncommon but they can be frustrating for those who have them. There are many ways adults and children can develop dark circles under their eyes.

Some of the more common factors that contribute to dark circles are lack of sleep or too much sleep, an iron deficiency, stress, allergies or nasal congestion.

Dark circles under the eyes caused by the more common factors can often be resolved by using over the counter remedies.

If you are getting adequate sleep, have a healthy diet, take vitamin supplements and dark circles still persist, you may have a condition called hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin in your system causing dark patches to develop on the skin. These patches often form under the eyes.

Some additional causes of hyperpigmentation are:

Excessive sun exposure
Scarring
Genetics
Aging
Acne
Burns
Skin pigmentation abnormalities (Thin skin under the eye showing veins)

Since hyperpigmentation does not fade on its own and in some cases can be permanent, you may want to seek the advice of a dermatologist.

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, call 718-206-6742.

What is AFib?

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Atrial fibrillation (AFib for short) is a condition where the heart beats in an irregular or quivering manner. Some people who have AFib describe the condition as feeling as if their heart skips a beat or is banging up against their chest wall, while others claim to experience no symptoms at all. According to the American Heart Association, it is estimated that over 2.7 million Americans live with AFib.

Under normal conditions, your heart pumps blood from the top chambers, (atria) to the bottom chambers, (ventricles) in a coordinated rhythm. But for those with AFib, the electrical signals that control this system are off-kilter. Instead of working together, the atria are out of sync. The result is a fast, fluttering heartbeat.

If left untreated, AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, or other heart-related complications, including heart failure.

In addition to feeling as if your heart is fluttering, other signs of AFib include:

General fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath and anxiety
Weakness
Faintness or confusion
Fatigue when exercising
Sweating
Chest pain or pressure

Anyone can have AFib, but it’s more common in people who are 60 or older or those with other heart problems or past heart surgeries. Family history as well as other underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, obesity or sleep apnea may also contribute to the onset of AFib. Taking certain medication, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also raise the risk of AFib.

Treating AFib begins with proper diagnosis through a thorough examination which includes providing a comprehensive medical history and participating in a variety of tests, including an EKG, ECG or possibly an electrophysiology study.

If AFib is diagnosed, the goal for you and your doctor is to restore your heart to a normal rhythm and manage your risk factors of developing a stroke or other cardiac issues. This can be achieved through a variety of treatment options, including medications, as well as both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Together you and your doctor can determine the best course of treatment.

If you are experiencing a fluttering heart, speak to your doctor immediately. If you do not have a doctor, yo make make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Cardiology at 718-206-7100.

The ABC’s of Safe Sleep for Infants

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the New York State Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services urge new parents to follow the ABC’s of how to keep your baby safe while sleeping.

“A” is for ALONE – make sure that your baby sleeps ALONE

“B” is for BACK – Be sure to place your baby on their BACK

“C” is for CRIB – Always place your baby in a safe CRIB

Although the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) related deaths in infants between 28 days and 4 months old has decreased significantly; the incidence of sleep related deaths due to injury and the infant’s sleep position and environment are on the rise. Studies have shown that at least 80% of these infant deaths could have been prevented.

Some guidelines that new parents should follow are:

Purchase a safety-approved crib for your infant and keep it near your bed.
Sleeping in the same room as your baby is recommended.
Sleeping on the same surface as your baby (sometime referred to as bed-sharing) is NOT RECOMMENDED.
Breastfeeding mothers ought to place their baby back into their crib before going to sleep.
Do not place pillows, blankets, bumpers or other soft objects into the crib with your baby.
Purchase a firm mattress and fitted sheets for your baby’s crib.
Do not rely on your baby monitor.
Never use a car seat, baby swing, carriage or carrier without fully fastening the straps. Partially fastened straps can become a hazard for the baby.
Smoking with your baby present puts them at a higher risk for SIDS.
Do not have your baby sleep on a couch or chair. This will pose a risk of blocking airways and may trap the baby in a position that may cause them to suffocate.

For these and additional tips on how to keep your baby safe, visit –